How to Tie a Classic Prince Nymph in Just a Two Minutes

Fly Tying

May 3

The Prince Nymph is a time-tested trout fly pattern known for its flashy profile and reliable effectiveness in fast water—perfect for nymphing deep runs and pockets.

Step-by-Step Tying Instructions

Step 1: Add Lead Wire
Wrap a few turns of lead wire slightly behind the hook eye. This adds weight and helps the fly sink quickly. Push the wraps back to avoid crowding the head.

Step 2: Start Your Thread Base
Build a smooth thread base over the lead wire and slightly down the hook shank.

Step 3: Tie in the Tail
Select two brown goose biots and tie them in on either side of the hook bend to form a V-shaped tail. Make sure they are even and splay away from each other.

Step 4: Add Ribbing
Tie in a piece of gold oval tinsel at the rear of the fly, right in front of the tail.

Step 5: Tie in Peacock Herl
Secure 2–3 strands of peacock herl by the tip, tying them in just in front of the tail. This taper helps maintain a balanced profile.

Step 6: Build the Body
Wrap the peacock herl forward toward the lead wire, creating a tapered body. Stop a little before the hook eye to leave room for the collar and wing.

Step 7: Wrap the Rib
Counter-wrap the gold tinsel through the peacock herl body in even turns to reinforce and add flash. Tie off in front.

Step 8: Add White Wing
Take two white goose biots and tie them in on top of the hook, curving outwards to form the wing. Position them about ¾ of the body length.

Step 9: Tie in Hackle
Select a furnace hen or soft hackle feather (with one side stripped) and tie it in by the tip. Make 1–2 wraps to create legs that sweep back naturally.

Step 10: Finish the Fly
Stroke the fibers back, form a neat thread head, and whip finish. Add a touch of head cement for durability.